ASICS MetaSpeed Sky Plus Review: A Snappy Racer for Stride Runners

Introduction

The ASICS MetaSpeed Sky Plus occupies an interesting spot in the 2022 carbon-plated racing shoe lineup. It is an update rather than a full second generation, which is why ASICS chose the “Plus” naming instead of calling it a sequel. The changes are real, but the shoe stays true to the original MetaSpeed Sky formula: light, snappy, and firm underfoot.

After extended testing, the Sky Plus finished with an overall score of 7.2 out of 10, with energy return landing at 8 out of 10. It is a shoe with clear strengths and equally clear trade-offs, and whether it suits you depends heavily on how you naturally run fast.

Who This Shoe Is For

ASICS splits the MetaSpeed family by running style, and the naming is the key. Sky stands for stride: the midsole geometry and drop are designed for runners who get faster by lengthening their stride. The MetaSpeed Edge Plus, by contrast, is tuned for runners who increase their cadence with quicker, faster feet.

The two shoes even ship in similar colorways, which can be genuinely confusing when buying, so check the model name carefully. If your instinct when pushing the pace is to open up and extend your stride, the Sky Plus is the one aimed at you. If you spin your legs faster instead, the Edge Plus is the closer match.

Key Specs at a Glance

The MetaSpeed Sky Plus is a neutral road racing shoe that resists twisting nicely. The stack measures 39mm in the heel and 34mm in the forefoot, and sizing is unisex. On the scale, a single shoe came in at 6.5 ounces, which is impressively light, and notably it is lighter than the MetaSpeed Edge Plus.

The midsole is FF Blast Turbo, a nylon-based foam, and the price sits at $250. One thing worth knowing: the shoe did pick up a little weight in this 2022 update, even though it remains very light in absolute terms.

Upper, Fit, and Comfort

The upper uses engineered mesh with a Motion Wrap approach, and breathability is one of the shoe’s genuine positives. If you run hot, or you are racing somewhere like Chicago where conditions can turn warm, this upper keeps things comfortable on hot pavement.

Fit is true to size with a standard heel and plenty of room in the toe box. Some runners may actually want a slightly narrower fit up front, though most will not find it overly wide. The collar is excellent, and the unpadded heel counter is stout and secure, holding the foot firmly in its pocket. Two small wishes: a full gusset through the tongue, and a touch of padding on the tongue so laces never press through. Both would help, but both would also add weight, and ASICS is clearly walking that line deliberately.

Midsole, Ride, and Energy Return

The FF Blast Turbo midsole is the heart of this shoe. It is not a major departure from the original MetaSpeed Sky, and that shows in the ride: snappy, responsive, and leaning firm rather than plush. A quick durometer check on the foam surface suggested a firmer feel, and the thumb test confirmed it does not come across especially soft.

There is a decent amount of creasing visible in the midsole after relatively modest mileage, which is worth keeping in mind if you pick this shoe up.

For comparison, if you prefer a softer, more forgiving ride underfoot, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 was the softer option of 2022. If you prefer a snappier, firmer feel underfoot, the MetaSpeed Sky Plus is the shoe in that direction.

Outsole, Grip, and Durability

ASICS absolutely nailed the outsole here. Grip is excellent, with a thin layer of rubber placed only where it matters, which is exactly the right call for a racing shoe. Traction never felt like a compromise.

Durability is the bigger question mark. The visible midsole creasing after limited mileage, combined with a thin rubber layout, points to a shoe that is best treated as a race-day and workout tool rather than an everyday trainer. A conservative durability prediction puts it well below what you would expect from a daily shoe.

Buying Advice

If your big race is 26.2 miles and comfort matters over that distance, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 was the preferred pick for 2022, offering noticeably more comfort and, in testing, a bit more energy return through the midsole. That is why this tester relegated the Sky Plus to long runs rather than racing it.

If, however, you want a firm, snappy, featherweight racer and your stride-based mechanics match what ASICS built this shoe around, the MetaSpeed Sky Plus delivers exactly that feel. Alternatives worth a look from 2022 include the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed Plus.

Conclusion

The ASICS MetaSpeed Sky Plus is a well-executed stride-tuned racing shoe with an excellent upper, outstanding grip, and a genuinely light 6.5-ounce build, held back mainly by midsole creasing and a firmer ride that not everyone will love. At $250 with a 7.2 out of 10 overall score, it rewards the right runner and leaves softer-leaning racers better served elsewhere. It is a fascinating snapshot of how hard the carbon plate competition was running in 2022.